In This Issue:

Help Is Now Just a Text Away

As of October 1st, you can now text the Massachusetts Statewide Helpline at 877-870-HOPE (4673) from 3PM - 11PM to receive the same compassionate support that Samaritans' has been providing on the phone for over 40 years!

As we all unfortunately know, suicide ranks nationally as the second leading cause of death among teenagers and college students. This same demographic is moving away from phone calls and communicates mostly via text and chat. Nearly 40 percent of people reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Chat Program indicated they would not be comfortable reaching out for help by phone. We are so proud to be keeping up with the times by being available to those in need through the means they are most comfortable reaching out for support. We have received amazing national coverage about our launch, read more at CBS, and catch us tomorrow morning on NESN at 8:45AM to hear more!

Help us spread the word about this life saving service by sharing this message on Facebook or Twitter: You can now text Massachusetts Statewide Helpline at 877-870-HOPE (4673) from 3PM-11PM for emotional support!

RSVP for the Premier of Samaritans: You are Not Alone

After months of filming, the new documentary, Samaritans: You are Not Alone produced by Keep Sound Minds and Honce Oui Media Group is ready!

The documentary features many who have been touched by Samaritans' services, from attempt survivors, those who have lost a loved one to suicide, and Samaritans' volunteers. Even in the office, our staff members were moved to tears watching this powerful film.

Don't just take our word for it, in limited release the film has already received praise; "A powerful and on-time film. Finally discussing the very real and far too common yet rarely talked about topic of depression, suicide and suffering. As a survivor of sibling suicide and seeing firsthand the torment and unbearable suffering, I can relate to so many of the feelings; guilt, shame and what if's that are shared. This film speaks to the truth about becoming more proactive regarding mental health and suicide. Through education, discussion and open dialog, let's limit the number of "unwitting members" to the club no one wants to be a part of and most certainly no one signs up for. Thank you Samaritans, and all the wonderful and selfless volunteers and staff for the tireless work you do for us all," say Tim Weaver, Host of Tremendous Life Radio.

Please join us to view this wonderful film at 7PM on November 3rd at Suffolk University's C. Walsh Theater (55 Temple Street, Boston, behind the State House). Click here to view the trailer and reserve your seat.

You Could Run the 2016 Boston Marathon

2015 Marathon Team Member Ray running the Boston Marathon in memory of his friend and roommate Christian

Thanks to the John Hanock Non-Profit Marathon Program, Samaritans' has received 12 bib numbers for our 2016 Marathon Team. "Running the Boston Marathon was something I always dreamed of doing. I knew it would be an incredible experience. What I didn't know is just how incredible it could be on a team. Being part of the 2015 Samaritans Boston Marathon Team was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Every person I met through the experience was amazing, kind, helpful, and supportive. I cannot thank the Samaritans enough for allowing me to run for their life saving organization!" said Bryanna Reddy, a member of our 2015 team.

If you have always dreamed of running the most prestigious marathon in the country, now is your chance! Applications for our 2016 Team are due by November 2, start yours today.

Another Amazing 5K!

The 5K is a wonderful day to celebrate life and remember our loved ones lost to suicide. September 26th was a beautiful day, and whether you attended on your own or a member of the largest team, we hope you can agree with us that as a member of Samaritans community, you are never alone.

Samaritans' 5K is our largest fundraising, bringing in 20% of the funds we count on to continue to provide our vital services in the community. We are proud and thankful to have raised 95% of our goal of $375,000 towards our free services. Please help us close the gap by making a gift, or by asking your friends and family to support your personal goal. A gift of $15, $25, or $50 in honor of an individual, team, or any of the over 300 loved ones we remembered at the 5K will add up to a big difference.

We are so appreciative of everyone who fund raises on our behalf for the 5K. This year's winners are:

Top Fundraising Teams:

Katherine's Pride, $28,098
Kathy's Team, $22,225
Edward's Team, $13,055

Largest Team:

Christian's Team, with 75 members

Top Individual Fundraisers:

Kara Hines, top individual fundraiser on a team (Katherine's Pride) who raised a record-breaking $22,073
Marsha Grollman, top individual fundraising not on a team, raising $1,307

There are so many more photos of the day over on our Facebook page - click here to view them all!

To find out where you placed among the runners in this year's 5K, click here.

We are so thankful for this year's major sponsor, Keolis Commuter Services, who, along with all of our wonderful sponsors, make this signature event possible.

Out and About

It has been a very busy and exciting month in the Prevention department here at Samaritans! The school year is off to a great start with our Manager of Community Education and Outreach, Lauren, off to the races with her presentations in schools and colleges around Boston and MetroWest. Lauren also became a trainer in ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) as well as SOS (Signs of Suicide). She's excited to be adding these skills and training to her repertoire. If you are interested in SOS, ASIST, or Samaritans' suicide prevention workshops please contact Lauren. We are also in the process of growing the department, so take a look at the new coordinator and internship positions available below if you are interested in making community outreach your career.

Open Positions

Interested in preventing suicide as a Samaritans' staff member or intern? We are currently accepting applications for: